ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: November 12, 2002
Author/Local: J. Baxter/6656

RTS No: 02992

CC File No: 2604

Council: November 26, 2002

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Director of Current Planning
SUBJECT:	Form of Development: 900 Burrard Street

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known as 900 Burrard Street be approved generally as illustrated in the Development Application Number DE406534, prepared by Foad Raffi, Architect and stamped "Received, Community Services, Development Services July 31, 2002", provided that the Director of Planning may approve design changes which would not adversely affect either the development character of this site or adjacent properties.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

There is no applicable Council policy except that Council did approve in principle the form of development for this site when the rezoning was approved, following a Public Hearing.

PURPOSE

In accordance with Charter requirements, this report seeks Council's approval for the form of development for the above-noted CD-1 zoned site.

BACKGROUND AND SITE DESCRIPTION

At a Public Hearing on August 25, 1988, City Council approved a rezoning of this site from DD (Downtown District) to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development District). Council also approved in principle the form of development for these lands. CD-1 By-law No. 6421 was enacted on November 8, 1988. Companion Guidelines (900 Burrard Street CD-1 Guidelines) were subsequently adopted by Council on November 30, 1993.

At a subsequent Public Hearing on July 27, 1993, Council approved an amendment to permit development of residential, commercial or mixed-use development on this site. This amendment (By-law No. 7236) was enacted on November 9, 1993.

A further amendment (By-law No. 8169) to provide a floor space ratio exclusion for construction incentives to control building envelope leaks was enacted on March 14, 2000, following a Public Hearing on February 24, 2000.

The site is located on the south side of Smithe Street between Burrard and Hornby Streets. The site and surrounding zoning are shown on the attached Appendix _A_.

Subsequent to Council's approval of the CD-1 rezoning, the Development Permit Board approved Development Application Number DE406534. This approval was subject to various conditions, including Council's approval of the form of development. The latter condition is one of the few outstanding prior to permit issuance.

DISCUSSION

The proposal involves the construction of a 24-storey residential/ commercial/entertainment building including a total of 456 residential dwelling units, 2,084.9 square metres (22,442 sq. ft.) of commercial space, 9 theatres and 5 levels of underground parking providing 677 off-street parking spaces (of which 150 spaces are to be designated for "The Electra" building at 989 Nelson Street), having vehicular access from an existing internal driveway.

The proposed development has been assessed against the CD-1 By-law and Council-approved guidelines and responds to the stated objectives.

Simplified plans, including a site plan and elevations of the proposal, have been included in Appendix _B_.

CONCLUSION

The Development Permit Board has approved Development Application Number DE406534, subject to various conditions to be met prior to the issuance of the development permit. One of these conditions is that the form of development first be approved by Council.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver